young man disappear over the brow of the hill. What Mr. Black
thought was not so apparent. He had no wish to discourage Reuther
whose feeling was one of relief as her first word showed.

"Oliver is gone. We shall not have to hurry now and perhaps if I
had a few minutes in which to rest---"

She was on the verge of fainting again.

And then Alanson Black showed of what stuff he was made. In ten
minutes he had bustled about the half-deserted building, and with
the aid of the dazed and uncomprehending deaf-mute, managed to
prepare a cup of hot tea and a plate of steaming eggs for the
weary girl.

After such an effort, Reuther felt obliged to eat, and she did;
seeing which, the lawyer left her for a moment and went out to
interview their guide.

"Where's the young lady?"

This from Mr. Sloan.

"Eating something. Come in and have a bite; and let the horses
eat, too. She must have a rest. The young fellow went off pretty
quick, eh?"

"Ya-as." The drawl was one of doubt. "But quickness don't count.
Fast or slow, he's on his way to capture--if that's what you want
to know."